GROWING and developing since they had the tag 'young and upcoming' Donum Dei have now delivered their début album 'Contribute to Chaos'.
Just before they took to the stage at The Belfast Empire Melanie Brehaut sat them down for some gentle interrogation.
Listen below:
Showing posts with label Donum Dei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Donum Dei. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2018
NEWS: Donum Dei launch Contribute to Chaos
TONIGHT has been a long time in the making - seven years, to be exact. Seven years since a bunch of metal-loving schoolboys got together with the idea of forming their own band, writing some tunes and maybe even playing some gigs one day.
Fast forward to March 2018 and those boys, now determined young men, are seeing the culmination of a dream: headlining the Belfast Empire, to launch their debut album 'Contribute to Chaos'. For Donum Dei, it’s finally time.
To help make the launch a real party, they’ve brought along some friends to play their own tunes, and as if to indicate the rude health of the local scene, the three support acts are as diverse as any festival bill you’d care to see.
First up, young hardcore knuckleheads No Great Loss take to the task of warming up the stage with gusto, along with plenty of posturing and attitude.
Co-vocalists Gavin Brown and Paul Docs bounce off each other brilliantly, sharing the lead and occasionally exchanging fleeting delighted grins. It takes around six seconds before Brown decides the stage is far too small for their antics, and he’s on the floor with the punters, screaming in their faces and pacing the floor like a caged lion.
He then puts his mic lead to the test, heading towards the centre of the room before clambering up the balcony to the side of the stage. Docs, although not as inclined to go for a dander (although he does jump offstage towards the end, along with guitarist Darren), still manages to pack a hell of a punch with his tightly coiled bravado and furiously spat vocals. A brash, confrontational and highly enjoyable set.
Promptly fifteen minutes later, melodic thrash newcomers Ketos take to the stage and immediately submerge the crowd in a barrage of noise, all wailing guitars and savage vocals.
Frontman Pete Crenshaw (who provides guest vocals on one of the tracks on the Donum Dei album) cuts a daunting figure as he screams, roars, contorts himself around the tiny stage and even clean sings at times; his vocal range is truly impressive, as is his ability to chat to the crowd but not blather on unnecessarily.
Ketos are known for putting on passionate and rousing shows and tonight is no exception; each track holds the crowd’s attention throughout and their set goes by in the blink of an eye – always a sign of a great band.
And now, as the saying goes, time for something completely different…although a relatively new concern, the members of old school death metal band Strangle Wire are veterans of the scene, and it shows in their dedication and musical chops.
Hitting the stage and wasting no time in releasing a wave of instant ferocity, theirs is an all-out aural assault, complete with staccato beats, breakneck speed and riffs that threaten to knock holes in the walls.
Frontman Pete Clarke is in a class all his own: with the deepest roar this side of the Irish Sea, he stares balefully around the room, all wild hair and even wilder eyes, in a pugnacious stance that looks for all the world like he’s about to break into the haka, or at the very least crack your skull. An exemplary death metal set.
For those that have been in the scene for the last half dozen or so years, seeing headliners Donum Dei grow in both confidence and ability has been one of the highlights of that time, and tonight sees the culmination of that.
As they file onstage one by one, to huge cheers from the crowd, their excitement is palpable; an already shirtless Thomas Marshall seems almost unable to contain his fizzing energy, almost jumping out of his skin as he kicks, punches and leaps his way around the stage. ‘Murder and Mayhem’ sees riffs flying everywhere, as well as some impressively furious headbanging: there will be some sore necks tomorrow!
“The more you give us, the more we’ll give you! How does that sound?” Marshall enthuses before they launch into ‘False Hope’, which then leads into the hugely popular ‘Justice Fails’, all sinuous, almost bluesy riffs and pummelling drums. ‘Torture (Makes Them Speak)’ sees the return of Ketos’ Pete Crenshaw, while ‘Courage From Within’ (“the hardest song we’ve ever written” jokes Marshall) ends with the temporarily knackered frontman briefly lying on the stage to recover from the effort, much to the amusement of the crowd (and our resident photographer!).
They close their set with the vitriolic ‘Contribute to Chaos’, the track that is closest to their simpler, thrashy roots, and thank the crowd with sweaty sincerity and huge smiles.
The best thing about a band like Donum Dei is that it’s clearly a collaborative effort. Each member is talented, each gets to show that talent proudly onstage, from solos to backing vocals to some frankly outstanding drumming and, of course, Marshall’s charismatic vocal performances.
Although there were a few technical issues tonight – Marshall broke a guitar string halfway through their set but soldiered on regardless, while guitarist Stuart McLoughlin seemed to be struggling with his instrument (possibly a battery pack issue?), they banded together and pulled a blinder out of the bag.
Whereas before there was a certain youthful and innocent exuberance, now there are four young men filled with deadly intent and the talent to match. Seven years coming? Totally worth it.
Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pictures by Mark McGrogan
Fast forward to March 2018 and those boys, now determined young men, are seeing the culmination of a dream: headlining the Belfast Empire, to launch their debut album 'Contribute to Chaos'. For Donum Dei, it’s finally time.
To help make the launch a real party, they’ve brought along some friends to play their own tunes, and as if to indicate the rude health of the local scene, the three support acts are as diverse as any festival bill you’d care to see.
First up, young hardcore knuckleheads No Great Loss take to the task of warming up the stage with gusto, along with plenty of posturing and attitude.
Co-vocalists Gavin Brown and Paul Docs bounce off each other brilliantly, sharing the lead and occasionally exchanging fleeting delighted grins. It takes around six seconds before Brown decides the stage is far too small for their antics, and he’s on the floor with the punters, screaming in their faces and pacing the floor like a caged lion.
He then puts his mic lead to the test, heading towards the centre of the room before clambering up the balcony to the side of the stage. Docs, although not as inclined to go for a dander (although he does jump offstage towards the end, along with guitarist Darren), still manages to pack a hell of a punch with his tightly coiled bravado and furiously spat vocals. A brash, confrontational and highly enjoyable set.
Promptly fifteen minutes later, melodic thrash newcomers Ketos take to the stage and immediately submerge the crowd in a barrage of noise, all wailing guitars and savage vocals.
Frontman Pete Crenshaw (who provides guest vocals on one of the tracks on the Donum Dei album) cuts a daunting figure as he screams, roars, contorts himself around the tiny stage and even clean sings at times; his vocal range is truly impressive, as is his ability to chat to the crowd but not blather on unnecessarily.
Ketos are known for putting on passionate and rousing shows and tonight is no exception; each track holds the crowd’s attention throughout and their set goes by in the blink of an eye – always a sign of a great band.
And now, as the saying goes, time for something completely different…although a relatively new concern, the members of old school death metal band Strangle Wire are veterans of the scene, and it shows in their dedication and musical chops.
Hitting the stage and wasting no time in releasing a wave of instant ferocity, theirs is an all-out aural assault, complete with staccato beats, breakneck speed and riffs that threaten to knock holes in the walls.
Frontman Pete Clarke is in a class all his own: with the deepest roar this side of the Irish Sea, he stares balefully around the room, all wild hair and even wilder eyes, in a pugnacious stance that looks for all the world like he’s about to break into the haka, or at the very least crack your skull. An exemplary death metal set.
For those that have been in the scene for the last half dozen or so years, seeing headliners Donum Dei grow in both confidence and ability has been one of the highlights of that time, and tonight sees the culmination of that.
As they file onstage one by one, to huge cheers from the crowd, their excitement is palpable; an already shirtless Thomas Marshall seems almost unable to contain his fizzing energy, almost jumping out of his skin as he kicks, punches and leaps his way around the stage. ‘Murder and Mayhem’ sees riffs flying everywhere, as well as some impressively furious headbanging: there will be some sore necks tomorrow!
“The more you give us, the more we’ll give you! How does that sound?” Marshall enthuses before they launch into ‘False Hope’, which then leads into the hugely popular ‘Justice Fails’, all sinuous, almost bluesy riffs and pummelling drums. ‘Torture (Makes Them Speak)’ sees the return of Ketos’ Pete Crenshaw, while ‘Courage From Within’ (“the hardest song we’ve ever written” jokes Marshall) ends with the temporarily knackered frontman briefly lying on the stage to recover from the effort, much to the amusement of the crowd (and our resident photographer!).
They close their set with the vitriolic ‘Contribute to Chaos’, the track that is closest to their simpler, thrashy roots, and thank the crowd with sweaty sincerity and huge smiles.
The best thing about a band like Donum Dei is that it’s clearly a collaborative effort. Each member is talented, each gets to show that talent proudly onstage, from solos to backing vocals to some frankly outstanding drumming and, of course, Marshall’s charismatic vocal performances.
Although there were a few technical issues tonight – Marshall broke a guitar string halfway through their set but soldiered on regardless, while guitarist Stuart McLoughlin seemed to be struggling with his instrument (possibly a battery pack issue?), they banded together and pulled a blinder out of the bag.
Whereas before there was a certain youthful and innocent exuberance, now there are four young men filled with deadly intent and the talent to match. Seven years coming? Totally worth it.
Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pictures by Mark McGrogan
Monday, February 05, 2018
ALBUM REVIEW: Donum Dei's devastating début release Contribute to Chaos
FOR many fans of hard rock and metal in Northern Ireland watching a band grow and develop in front of your eyes is both a pleasure and something that leaves you with bated breath as to whether they can take the next step.
Donum Dei have taken that next step with the release of their devastating début album 'Contribute to Chaos', a blistering, balls out thrasher with nine tracks that will sear the flesh off your face.
From the delicate opening of 'False Hope' this is a full-on metal album, imbued with the spirit of the best of thrash and contemporary metal sounds. But, unlike many they nod to their influenced rather than follow them slavishly.
In fact Thomas Marshall sounds completely pissed off with the world as a he rages and roars throughout each and every song. But, it is the complete attitude that matches the mood of the album.
There is an intensity across all elements of 'Contribute to Chaos' that can leave one slack-jawed in admiration for a band so young.
'Courage From Within' is a simply wondrous song - defiant and with a single finger up to wasters and those not prepared to stand up for themselves.
What makes it a great album is the cohesiveness of the guitar work between Stuart McLoughlin's lead work and Thomas' aggressive riffing.
This is exemplified on 'Torture (Makes Them Speak) for which they drafted in Pete Crenshaw of Ketos and By Conquest Or Consent. It us a track that delivers a boot to your bake.
There are, however, some minor issues on the album. The title track does overdo the all-out noise that isn't as clear, nor has the same degree as the rest. It still is a song that will deliver live.
In contrast 'A Wolf Among Us' and 'Dead on Arrival' are blistering. They showcase a band ready to take on all comers and ready to take the next step.
As for the live favourite 'Justice Fails' fans and those new to the band will be chanting along to the chorus...
What Donum Dei have is the patience to develop at their own pace, with a clear plan for progression. With the right guidance, management and pointers they are sure to be ready to springboard their career to the next level.
'Contribute to Chaos' is a statement; a moment in time for a Donum Dei to look back on as they rise to the next level.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Donum Dei have taken that next step with the release of their devastating début album 'Contribute to Chaos', a blistering, balls out thrasher with nine tracks that will sear the flesh off your face.
From the delicate opening of 'False Hope' this is a full-on metal album, imbued with the spirit of the best of thrash and contemporary metal sounds. But, unlike many they nod to their influenced rather than follow them slavishly.
In fact Thomas Marshall sounds completely pissed off with the world as a he rages and roars throughout each and every song. But, it is the complete attitude that matches the mood of the album.
There is an intensity across all elements of 'Contribute to Chaos' that can leave one slack-jawed in admiration for a band so young.
'Courage From Within' is a simply wondrous song - defiant and with a single finger up to wasters and those not prepared to stand up for themselves.
What makes it a great album is the cohesiveness of the guitar work between Stuart McLoughlin's lead work and Thomas' aggressive riffing.
This is exemplified on 'Torture (Makes Them Speak) for which they drafted in Pete Crenshaw of Ketos and By Conquest Or Consent. It us a track that delivers a boot to your bake.
There are, however, some minor issues on the album. The title track does overdo the all-out noise that isn't as clear, nor has the same degree as the rest. It still is a song that will deliver live.
In contrast 'A Wolf Among Us' and 'Dead on Arrival' are blistering. They showcase a band ready to take on all comers and ready to take the next step.
As for the live favourite 'Justice Fails' fans and those new to the band will be chanting along to the chorus...
What Donum Dei have is the patience to develop at their own pace, with a clear plan for progression. With the right guidance, management and pointers they are sure to be ready to springboard their career to the next level.
'Contribute to Chaos' is a statement; a moment in time for a Donum Dei to look back on as they rise to the next level.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Contribute to Chaos is launched on March 1st at The Belfast Empire with a Donum Dei headline set, with support from Death of a Salesman, Ketos and Dream Awake
Monday, October 24, 2016
LIVE REVIEW: Conjuring the metal rage: Conjuring Fate, Donum Dei and Attica Rage bring class to Saturday evening
WITH the ever-lengthening list of shows over the closing weeks of 2016 it is becoming increasingly difficult for promoters to attract crowds for all but the biggest headliners. Coming just a day after Alien Ant Farm and a week ahead of four consecutive nights of gigs, Attica Rage's show was up against all the odds.
However, for those that managed to make it down to Limelight2 for The Distortion Project presentation on Saturday (October 22nd) they were treated to a triple set of metal excellence.
Sure, it wasn't the most 'extreme' metal, but it was pure old-school metal with an added dash of thrash.
Openers Conjuring Fate are a well-oiled, smooth and tight machine - no clunking of the gears here. Led by Tommy's charismatic performance and well-balanced vocal delivery they, like the following act Donum Dei, are prepping for a new album, but the familiar tracks drew acclaim.
'House On Haunted Hill', 'Backwoods Witch' and Mirror, Mirror' from their last release capture the mood of classic metal with a NWOBHM attitude. However, this is no retrograde set; rather it brings the sound right into 2016.
Phil and Karl take the opportunity to roam around the venue, exchanging jokes with the audience while on the go with 'Trust No One' was amongst the many highlights of the show.
The camaraderie on stage means Conjuring Fate are a potent force of fun and metal joy.
Donum Dei are ploughing a thrash groove, with a little added frisson of death and classic rocking. From start to end they engage well with each other and the audience. Since the last time we caught them they have tightened up.
New(ish) bassist Neil on bass adds a dimension to backing vocals with Stuart that brings out the best of the arrangements and supports Thomas's ever-impressive attack from then front.
Crowd favourite ' Justice Fails' never fails to impress, just as 'Redemption' and the rest of the set are increasingly forceful from the four-piece.
Attica Rage this year notched up their third album, 'Warheads Ltd', release and performed at Bloodstock, amongst other festivals.
With a decade of gigging experience under their belts Scottish rockers Attica Rage could not be impressed with the lack of crowd, something that just wasn't of their doing. But, those there were largely wowed by the impressive set.
Jonny Parr dominates the stage, with an ease of playing and a range that is multi-dimensional in delivery.
His interchanges with Stevie Bell showcase a maturity in melodious, mighty metal. The festival appearances and this run of UK and Irish dates have produced a locked in unit, with Matthew Ward (bass) and Richie Rage (drums) anchoring the sound.
Songs from 'Warheads Ltd' featuring they also reach back across their previous albums. Despite a slight lag mid-set the band have an ability to produce a narrative across their set, that shows they can rise above any challenges and make their rockin' metal compelling to listen to.
Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
Reproduction by Written Consent Only
However, for those that managed to make it down to Limelight2 for The Distortion Project presentation on Saturday (October 22nd) they were treated to a triple set of metal excellence.
Sure, it wasn't the most 'extreme' metal, but it was pure old-school metal with an added dash of thrash.
Openers Conjuring Fate are a well-oiled, smooth and tight machine - no clunking of the gears here. Led by Tommy's charismatic performance and well-balanced vocal delivery they, like the following act Donum Dei, are prepping for a new album, but the familiar tracks drew acclaim.
'House On Haunted Hill', 'Backwoods Witch' and Mirror, Mirror' from their last release capture the mood of classic metal with a NWOBHM attitude. However, this is no retrograde set; rather it brings the sound right into 2016.
Phil and Karl take the opportunity to roam around the venue, exchanging jokes with the audience while on the go with 'Trust No One' was amongst the many highlights of the show.
The camaraderie on stage means Conjuring Fate are a potent force of fun and metal joy.
Donum Dei are ploughing a thrash groove, with a little added frisson of death and classic rocking. From start to end they engage well with each other and the audience. Since the last time we caught them they have tightened up.
New(ish) bassist Neil on bass adds a dimension to backing vocals with Stuart that brings out the best of the arrangements and supports Thomas's ever-impressive attack from then front.
Crowd favourite ' Justice Fails' never fails to impress, just as 'Redemption' and the rest of the set are increasingly forceful from the four-piece.
Attica Rage this year notched up their third album, 'Warheads Ltd', release and performed at Bloodstock, amongst other festivals.
With a decade of gigging experience under their belts Scottish rockers Attica Rage could not be impressed with the lack of crowd, something that just wasn't of their doing. But, those there were largely wowed by the impressive set.
Jonny Parr dominates the stage, with an ease of playing and a range that is multi-dimensional in delivery.
His interchanges with Stevie Bell showcase a maturity in melodious, mighty metal. The festival appearances and this run of UK and Irish dates have produced a locked in unit, with Matthew Ward (bass) and Richie Rage (drums) anchoring the sound.
Songs from 'Warheads Ltd' featuring they also reach back across their previous albums. Despite a slight lag mid-set the band have an ability to produce a narrative across their set, that shows they can rise above any challenges and make their rockin' metal compelling to listen to.
Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
Reproduction by Written Consent Only
Saturday, August 27, 2016
LIVE REVIEW: Scimitar, Donum Dei and Midnight Force bring metal to the Eglantine
IN a shift of venue The Distortion Project upped sticks from its normal Limelight residency and brought a tonne of heaviness to the Eglantine Bar on Belfast's Botanic and the locals may now understand the metal - or be totally confused by it.
It was a night of sheer excellence from three bands, in relatively civilised surroundings - at least civilised until the music came raining down.
Openers Scimitar are evolving with every show. Their hyper speed thrash is a wall of noise, with Jonny growing with each show as front man, capable and using all of the small stage.
Ryan and Chris are a titan sized rhythm section, a thunderous noise that at times threatens to overpower John's lead work, but when he kicked in for solos there was no doubt about who was leading the charge.
All the shout outs from Bloodstock were there for the night but the humour never threatened to overshadow songs such as 'Behead The Beast' and the always awesome 'Act of War'.
Donum Dei were rerturning to live shows, this time with new bass player, Neil Toal. Having taken some time off gigging to get the new line-up settled.
Their core songs and attitude remain unchanged, and even though the set was a bit ragged in places the presence of Thomas manages to help carry them through - even mounting the fixtures and fittings of the room á la Joel O'Keefe.
Neil and Stuart have stepped forward more in the backing vocals role than seen previously and Alastair seems more comfortable behind the kit.
The usual songs are on display and the likes of 'Justice Fails' has the crowd energised and baying in front of the stage - evidence of the faith that their fans have kept in the band.
Midnight Force travelled to Belfast from their hometown of Glasgow for a couple of dates on this fair isle and instantly they had those in attendance on their side with a smooth, well executed classic metal assault.
Vocalist John roamed stage and throughout the venue, cajoling the crowd, prowling ready to strike at any not willing to join in.
As well as the classic metal sound there is sufficient elements of power metal to make sure the sound is up-to-date and fresh. Ansgar and Brenden are tight, with enough to vary the pace when needed.
Pete is a more than solid drummer, adding backing vocals to strengthen the sound.
Midnight Force were unknown to the audience, but took little time to win over all. Speedy return please guys.
Review by Jonny
Pictures by Dave Kerr
Reproduction only by explicit written consent.
It was a night of sheer excellence from three bands, in relatively civilised surroundings - at least civilised until the music came raining down.
Openers Scimitar are evolving with every show. Their hyper speed thrash is a wall of noise, with Jonny growing with each show as front man, capable and using all of the small stage.
Ryan and Chris are a titan sized rhythm section, a thunderous noise that at times threatens to overpower John's lead work, but when he kicked in for solos there was no doubt about who was leading the charge.
All the shout outs from Bloodstock were there for the night but the humour never threatened to overshadow songs such as 'Behead The Beast' and the always awesome 'Act of War'.
Donum Dei were rerturning to live shows, this time with new bass player, Neil Toal. Having taken some time off gigging to get the new line-up settled.
Their core songs and attitude remain unchanged, and even though the set was a bit ragged in places the presence of Thomas manages to help carry them through - even mounting the fixtures and fittings of the room á la Joel O'Keefe.
Neil and Stuart have stepped forward more in the backing vocals role than seen previously and Alastair seems more comfortable behind the kit.
The usual songs are on display and the likes of 'Justice Fails' has the crowd energised and baying in front of the stage - evidence of the faith that their fans have kept in the band.
Midnight Force travelled to Belfast from their hometown of Glasgow for a couple of dates on this fair isle and instantly they had those in attendance on their side with a smooth, well executed classic metal assault.
Vocalist John roamed stage and throughout the venue, cajoling the crowd, prowling ready to strike at any not willing to join in.
As well as the classic metal sound there is sufficient elements of power metal to make sure the sound is up-to-date and fresh. Ansgar and Brenden are tight, with enough to vary the pace when needed.
Pete is a more than solid drummer, adding backing vocals to strengthen the sound.
Midnight Force were unknown to the audience, but took little time to win over all. Speedy return please guys.
Review by Jonny
Pictures by Dave Kerr
Reproduction only by explicit written consent.
Saturday, June 06, 2015
EP REVIEW: Donum Dei rise with three-track Justice Fails
IT is always a delight as a reviewer to see a band develop, learn from their mistakes, observe others and enhance what they can do and the potential that lurks in their early incarnation.
The four young men of Donum Dei have over the past year plus cut their metal teeth on the live circuit, gradually growing into songs and performances. And, now they have taken the next step and laid down three tracks in their début release 'Justice Fails'.
The title track is already a live favourite with its 'Tallica style riffage and call outs. Thomas Marshall strains at the proverbial leash vocally, sometimes trying a little too hard to replicate his live output. It is a minor niggle amidst the joyous noise.
Stuart McLoughlin's lead work as always melds with Marshall's rhythm - as is evident on second track 'Redemption'. But the scaffolding all the recorded - and indeed the live renditions - are based on is the work of Alastair Marshall's drums and Dean Kane's manic bass work.
'Redemption' sees the band showcase a more contemporary take on the thrash sound; they have learned their lessons well at the feet of the bands they have supported without slavishly copying them.
EP closer 'No Escape' is the stand-out of the three, with Marshall adopting a more raucous roar as the track's relentless pace leads into a chorus that catches the unwary listener before a solo leads into some tremendous melodic twin guitar work that has Marshall and McLaughlin locked into a guitar mind meld.
As a first release this once more demonstrates the sheer potential that oozes from Donum Dei. In places the production and mix are - as one would expect from any start-up - a little rough and ready. Developing that will require more time understanding how to work in a studio, understanding how to adopt the power and passion from the live setting to the confines of the sound room.
As a first time out of the recording blocks what this demonstrates is that Donum Dei are on the cusp of developing into something special. With the ep, their live shows, being a recent finalist in Metal2TheMasses and having the right attitude to learning we cannot wait until the next stage of DD's development.
Review by Jonny
The four young men of Donum Dei have over the past year plus cut their metal teeth on the live circuit, gradually growing into songs and performances. And, now they have taken the next step and laid down three tracks in their début release 'Justice Fails'.
The title track is already a live favourite with its 'Tallica style riffage and call outs. Thomas Marshall strains at the proverbial leash vocally, sometimes trying a little too hard to replicate his live output. It is a minor niggle amidst the joyous noise.
Stuart McLoughlin's lead work as always melds with Marshall's rhythm - as is evident on second track 'Redemption'. But the scaffolding all the recorded - and indeed the live renditions - are based on is the work of Alastair Marshall's drums and Dean Kane's manic bass work.
'Redemption' sees the band showcase a more contemporary take on the thrash sound; they have learned their lessons well at the feet of the bands they have supported without slavishly copying them.
EP closer 'No Escape' is the stand-out of the three, with Marshall adopting a more raucous roar as the track's relentless pace leads into a chorus that catches the unwary listener before a solo leads into some tremendous melodic twin guitar work that has Marshall and McLaughlin locked into a guitar mind meld.
As a first release this once more demonstrates the sheer potential that oozes from Donum Dei. In places the production and mix are - as one would expect from any start-up - a little rough and ready. Developing that will require more time understanding how to work in a studio, understanding how to adopt the power and passion from the live setting to the confines of the sound room.
As a first time out of the recording blocks what this demonstrates is that Donum Dei are on the cusp of developing into something special. With the ep, their live shows, being a recent finalist in Metal2TheMasses and having the right attitude to learning we cannot wait until the next stage of DD's development.
Justice Fails will be launched in July.
The first opportunity to buy a copy will be tonight (Saturday 6th June) when Donum Dei support NWOBHM band Chariot in the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill Rock City
Review by Jonny
Sunday, May 10, 2015
LIVE REVIEW: Metal+Masses+Crowd+Bloodstock=Fearsome Friday Fun
A LONG time ago - or so it seemed - the journey began to select the Northern Ireland band to stand on the unsigned stage at Bloodstock in August. And, the days and nights of effort culminated on Friday, May 8th in a packed Voodoo for the final.
Five bands, one judge and a packed crowd created a perfect recipe for a metal feast.
While for us it was a night of celebration and to raise a glass to the quality of the music in Northern Ireland, for the night's judge, Simon Hall, it was the beginning of a long haul that will see him tour round the UK, Ireland and Scandanavia selecting the best of the best.
Of course, being a Northern Ireland based site we are pretty sure that we produce the best of the best...
But first up living up to the promise that we can deliver the musical muscle: Donum Dei, Conjuring Fate, Sinocence, Overoth and Cursed Sun.
Opening up with a ferocious thrash assault Donum Dei tore into their set with their usual enthusiasm. Despite not having an 'official' release to their names, many of the songs are familiar to a large proportion of the audience.
Titles like 'Justice Fails', and 'Gravelands' are greeted with roars as Thomas leads a merry riffing dance, Stuart sears through solos, Alastair locks his drums into the mania that is the hyperactive bassist Dean.
When it comes to crowd interaction Conjuring Fate have a trump card in Tommy Daly, whose engaging stage leads to a spontaneous sing-alongs to the likes of 'Backwoods Witch', 'House on the Haunted Hill' and 'Where Eagles Fly' amongst them.
Backed by Phil, Karl, and Steve it is as if you went to a party and a gig broke out with the interchanges, spoof solo rivalry and a feelgood NWOBHM vibe.
Bringing a contemporary metal vibe Sinocence sneered with malevolence, mashing out hymns of discontent for a dystopian world.
Moro led the majestic metal assault with 'Long Way Down' opening as always, but the newer material from 'No Gods, No Masters Vol. 2' is equally welcome. Davy has it nailed down on the drums, allowing Jim's bass to add texture allowing Anto's solos to weave tapestries that work hard to give depth to the downpour of metal raining down on to the crowd.
Wildcard qualifiers Cursed Sun come across as a band that are geared up for war when they set out to wreak havoc, with Jones the jester of jeopardy atop a hill of heroics.
Jonny layers guitar lines as his solos search out the lining of the heart, with the riff to the core they draw down destruction, with much of the focus on their two most recent releases 'Fall and Rise' and 'Premonitions'. With Chris (drums) and Monty (bass) holding the madly spinning mass from meltdown it is, as was the theme of the night, a consummate performance.
With the various flavours of metal represented so far, it was the turn of Overoth to bring their death metal destruction, with the towering shape of Andy deepening the gloom with his massive presence on bass.
This was an assault on eardrums of all in the venue, a snarling brand of metal that shook the foundations of Belfast's Fountain Street. The experience within Overoth is evident in the poise of the performance.
Daniel and Andrew's guitar are guttural expressions of extreme precision, while Jay delivers par excellence death metal drumming to Andy's bass.
Overoth are a well-oiled machine of slaughter, and with 'Kingdom of Shadows' now five year's old new material is overdue for recording. Not that any of this mattered on the strength of the performance.
As the five band aural assault ended, all thoughts turned to which one of these acts would win the coveted slot at Bloodstock.
Judging duties were the responsibility of Simon Hall - yes he of Beholder. It was a job that we didn't envy him.
Tension was growing ahead of the announcement - as much as in the audience as the assembled band members. Truth is, from our point of view, each of the bands could have delivered at Bloodstock.
But only one could be selected - it was Overoth.
A tremendous night showcasing some of the best metal talent on these islands.
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Five bands, one judge and a packed crowd created a perfect recipe for a metal feast.
While for us it was a night of celebration and to raise a glass to the quality of the music in Northern Ireland, for the night's judge, Simon Hall, it was the beginning of a long haul that will see him tour round the UK, Ireland and Scandanavia selecting the best of the best.
Of course, being a Northern Ireland based site we are pretty sure that we produce the best of the best...
But first up living up to the promise that we can deliver the musical muscle: Donum Dei, Conjuring Fate, Sinocence, Overoth and Cursed Sun.Opening up with a ferocious thrash assault Donum Dei tore into their set with their usual enthusiasm. Despite not having an 'official' release to their names, many of the songs are familiar to a large proportion of the audience.
Titles like 'Justice Fails', and 'Gravelands' are greeted with roars as Thomas leads a merry riffing dance, Stuart sears through solos, Alastair locks his drums into the mania that is the hyperactive bassist Dean.
When it comes to crowd interaction Conjuring Fate have a trump card in Tommy Daly, whose engaging stage leads to a spontaneous sing-alongs to the likes of 'Backwoods Witch', 'House on the Haunted Hill' and 'Where Eagles Fly' amongst them.Backed by Phil, Karl, and Steve it is as if you went to a party and a gig broke out with the interchanges, spoof solo rivalry and a feelgood NWOBHM vibe.
Bringing a contemporary metal vibe Sinocence sneered with malevolence, mashing out hymns of discontent for a dystopian world.
Wildcard qualifiers Cursed Sun come across as a band that are geared up for war when they set out to wreak havoc, with Jones the jester of jeopardy atop a hill of heroics.
Jonny layers guitar lines as his solos search out the lining of the heart, with the riff to the core they draw down destruction, with much of the focus on their two most recent releases 'Fall and Rise' and 'Premonitions'. With Chris (drums) and Monty (bass) holding the madly spinning mass from meltdown it is, as was the theme of the night, a consummate performance.With the various flavours of metal represented so far, it was the turn of Overoth to bring their death metal destruction, with the towering shape of Andy deepening the gloom with his massive presence on bass.
This was an assault on eardrums of all in the venue, a snarling brand of metal that shook the foundations of Belfast's Fountain Street. The experience within Overoth is evident in the poise of the performance.
Daniel and Andrew's guitar are guttural expressions of extreme precision, while Jay delivers par excellence death metal drumming to Andy's bass.
Overoth are a well-oiled machine of slaughter, and with 'Kingdom of Shadows' now five year's old new material is overdue for recording. Not that any of this mattered on the strength of the performance.
As the five band aural assault ended, all thoughts turned to which one of these acts would win the coveted slot at Bloodstock.
Judging duties were the responsibility of Simon Hall - yes he of Beholder. It was a job that we didn't envy him.
Tension was growing ahead of the announcement - as much as in the audience as the assembled band members. Truth is, from our point of view, each of the bands could have delivered at Bloodstock.
But only one could be selected - it was Overoth.
A tremendous night showcasing some of the best metal talent on these islands.
Review by Jonny
Photographs by Darren McVeigh, MetalplanetBelfast
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